The seven principles of investing through volatile times

With the global economy in the midst of a crisis following the rapid spread of coronavirus, it’s natural for some investors to be concerned, which only serves to make the situation even less predictable.

The truth is that share prices invariably rise and fall but, for the long-term investor, this shouldn’t need to be the primary concern. Historically, over the long-term markets have trended higher quickly forgetting periods of weakness. Investors should, therefore, seek out opportunities in weaker markets and focus on their financial plans and the reasons for being invested.

Below are seven principles of investing when markets are in turmoil, to enable you to keep your head when all about others are losing theirs.

1. Get advice

Every single investor’s needs are different and, while the points below are good general tips, there’s no substitute for a plan that’s tailored specifically for you.

The role of a wealth manager is to get to know you and your attitude to risk versus reward, and then to navigate you through your investment journey. What’s more, in turbulent times, advice helps you take the emotion out of investing and provides an objective view. It may just be the best investment you ever make.

2. Make an investment plan and stick to it

It is one thing to have a target, but a sound financial plan can be the difference between simply hoping for the best and actually achieving your goals.

It helps you to stay focused on your long-term aims without being distracted by short-term market changes. The best way to formulate your plan and ensure it stays on track is with a professional wealth manager. They will talk to you about what you want to achieve for you and your family, your current situation, and your attitude to risk versus potential rewards. As well as tailoring a plan specifically to you, they can monitor its progress and recommend ways to keep it on course.

3. Invest as soon as possible

The earlier you invest the better. The magic of compounding allows investors to generate wealth over time, and requires only two things: the reinvestment of earnings and time. The difference of just a few years can make a massive difference to your end result.

The chart below shows two investors who both invest £10,000 every year into global equities. However, Investor A began in December 1999 and Investor B started five years later. Over 20 years, Investor A has accumulated savings of £595,763 compared to savings of £386,190 for Investor B – £209,573 more. If Investor B wanted to accumulate the same pot, they would need to invest £15,427 every year.

Past performance is not a guide to the future. The value of units may fall as well as rise.
Source: Quilter Investors as at 31 December 2019. Based on an annual investment of £10,000 into the MSCI World Index over the period 31 December 1999 to 31 December 2019 (investor A) and 31 December 2004 to 31 December 2019 (investor B). Gross return in pounds sterling. The information provided is for illustrative purposes only and doesn’t represent the past performance of any particular investment. It is not possible to invest directly into the MSCI World Index.

4. Don’t just invest in cash

When markets are volatile it’s a big temptation to put all your investments in the relative safety of cash. It may seem like a safe bet. However, at just 2.5% inflation, an investor would lose nearly half of their purchasing power over 25 years. So, £10,000 today would only have the purchasing power of £5,394 in 25 years’ time.

Every investor does need at least some part of their funds in liquid investments in case of an emergency, but low risk usually leads to lower returns. For anyone with longer term investment plans it needs to be supplemented with investments in other asset classes that offer better capital growth potential and beat the perils of inflation.

5. Diversify your investments

When markets are fluctuating wildly it’s all too easy to worry about the performance of certain investments while forgetting about the bigger picture.

Similarly, when one asset class is performing poorly others may be flourishing. A diversified portfolio including a range of different assets can help to iron out the ups and downs and avoid exposing your portfolio to undue risk.

6. Invest for the long-term

Many people believe that knowing when to buy and when to sell is the secret of successful investing. The truth is that no one knows with certainty when markets will rise or fall. Trying to time the market is not only stressful, it is very seldom successful.

It‘s far better to use time to your advantage. The sooner you can start investing, and the longer you can invest, the more likely you are to have the potential for healthy returns and achieve your financial goals, regardless of short- term blips.

7. Stay invested

When markets are volatile, it is often tempting to exit the market or switch to cash in an attempt to reduce further expected losses.

However, it is impossible to time these movements correctly as no-one has a crystal ball to predict future movement, so being out of the market for just a few days can have a devastating effect on returns. Make a plan, stick to it, and don’t try to time the market.

Using global equities as an example, the chart below shows how missing just a few of the best days can have a big impact on returns.

Past performance is not a guide to the future. The value of units may fall as well as rise.
Source: Quilter Investors as at 31 December 2019. Based on an initial investment of £10,000 into the MSCI World Index over the period 31 December 1999 to 31 December 2019. Gross return in pounds sterling. The information provided is for illustrative purposes only and doesn’t represent the past performance of any particular investment. It is not possible to invest directly into the MSCI World Index.

Important information

This article is intended for general circulation and information purposes only. It may not be published, circulated, reproduced or distributed in whole or part to any other person without prior consent of AAM. This article should not be construed as an offer, solicitation of an offer, a recommendation or provision of financial advice. The information does not take into account the specific investment objectives, financial situation or particular needs of any person. Advice should be sought from a licensed financial adviser before making any decisions. Whilst we have taken all reasonable care to ensure that the information contained in this article is not untrue or misleading at the time of publication, we cannot guarantee its accuracy or completeness. Any opinion or estimate contained in this article is subject to change without notice. AAM advisory Pte Ltd is licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore, FA Licence no 100032.

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